Chicago boasts dance studios in nearly every neighborhood but, especially if you’re not sure which class is your type, get started at one of these ten biggies. Advance payment for multiple classes saves bucks, and keep an eye out for “open house” events at many, when first-time trial classes are free of charge. Most also offer scholarships, and discounts for practicing professionals.

Academy of Dance, Official School of the Joffrey BalletThe Adult Program at the Joffrey’s sparkling new facility is designed for dancers 15 and up. We’re told, “Whether you are a working professional or someone who wants to learn to dance for the first time, there is a class for you!” Besides ballet, the schedule offers Pilates classes as well as a few jazz, modern, hip-hop and fitness.10 E Randolph St (312-784-4600, joffrey.com/academy) El: Red to Lake; Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple (rush hrs) to Randolph. Bus: 3, 4, 6, 10, 14, 26, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 151, 157. Single class $15.

Ballet ChicagoFormer New York City Ballet principal dancer Daniel Duell is a primary source on classic American ballet, overseeing training in the Balanchine style of ambitious young ones season after season. Taking class in the school’s new digs is a joy: Enormous windows and incredible Loop views make you feel like you’re dancing in the clouds, and there’s plenty of room for warming up and cooling down.17 N State St, 19th floor (312-251-8838, balletchicago.org) El: Red, Blue to Jackson; Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple (rush hrs) to Adams. Bus: 3, 4, 6, 14, 26, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 151, 157. Single class $12.50.

The Chicago Moving Company at Hamlin Park FieldhouseThe second floor of this Roscoe Village Park District building has long been home to one of the city’s most venerable modern-dance troupes. On weekend evenings it’s used as a theater, but mornings and afternoons host contemporary-dance, yoga and holistic exercise lessons geared toward everyone from kids to professionals.3035 N Hoyne Ave, second floor (773-880-5402, chicagomovingcompany.org) Bus: 50, 77. Single class $10.

Dance Center EvanstonLong a haven for kids dance classes, DCE also has an open program for teens and adults. Director Béa Rashid’s amassed one of the area’s biggest faculties, which includes representatives from Elements Contemporary Ballet (Mike Gosney) and other companies. Study advanced tap, ballet, jazz, hip-hop and more.1934 Dempster St, Evanston (847-328-6683, dancecenterevanston.com). El: Purple to Dempster. Bus: 93, 206. Single class $14–$16.

Lou Conte Dance StudioThis school occupies the same headquarters as Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and was started by Hubbard’s founder, Lou Conte. Weekday morning and daytime classes cater to professional and aspiring dancers practicing ballet, modern and jazz techniques; the evening and Saturday classes are more casual.1147 W Jackson Blvd (312-850-9766, hubbardstreetdance.com). El: Blue to Racine. Bus: 126. Single class $15.

Ruth Page Center for the ArtsGenerations of dancers have passed through this Chicago institution, founded by the late heiress and choreographer Ruth Page. Her school took over a former Moose Lodge, which now houses several studios and company offices. Ballet is the house specialty but jazz, Pilates, yoga and wellness-oriented program BeMoved are also offered. Morning classes are geared toward professionals and enthusiasts.1016 N Dearborn St (312-337-6543, ruthpage.org). El: Red to Clark/Division. Bus: 22, 36, 70, 156. Single class $15.

Visceral Dance CenterNick Pupillo, a former member of Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, opened this state-of-the-art facility a few short years ago. Now a hopping center, the three-studio complex offers jazz, ballet, hip-hop and more, six days a week. Some of the teachers are dancers moonlighting from the city’s top companies, including the Joffrey Ballet and River North Dance Chicago.2829 N Elston Ave (773-772-1771, visceraldance.com). Bus: 49, 76. Single class $15.

Comments

Thank you so much for the list of dance studios. It has always been my dream to be on Broadway and I need to improve my dancing in order to fulfill that dream. I will have to check out these dance studio's and see which one will be able to help me improve. Thanks again for this information!

I took tap dancing lessons when I was eight years old, but now I really want to try hip hop. I have no idea why my mom signed me up for tap instead of jazz or something more contemporary like that. However, I really do think that all kinds of dancing is excellent. It is impressive to see all of the different backgrounds that these instructors have. I'm sure that any of their classes would be so much fun. http://www.backstagedancemeridian.com/Class-Descriptions.html